Critical problem with Takata airbags
On May 17, Citroën launched a massive recall concerning some 247,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 manufactured between 2009 and 2019, following the discovery of serious anomalies with the airbags supplied by the Japanese manufacturer Takata. These airbags are responsible for several serious accidents due to the deterioration of a gas, making them potentially dangerous when inflating, particularly in regions with hot and humid climates.
After demanding that all owners immediately stop using their vehicles, a recall for repairs was initiated. However, repair work is slow to start. In addition to the significant logistical challenges associated with such a large-scale operation, a group of owners mobilized to criticize the delay in the implementation of this measure and contacted the consumer association UFC-Que Choisir.
The association criticizes Stellantis’ management of this crisis and threatens to take legal action if concrete measures are not taken quickly. Marie-Amandine Stévenin, president of the association, described the management of this procedure of recall and immobilization of vehicles as “calamitous”, and underlines the need for a rapid and effective response to compensate for the forced immobilization of vehicles. .
“In the absence of a response and satisfactory commitments within one month, UFC-Que Choisir will take all necessary legal action in order to preserve the rights of consumers and defend the collective interest of the latter,” warned the association in a press release.
Stellantis response and actions
Faced with growing criticism and media pressure, Stellantis, the car manufacturer and parent company of Citroën, reacted by promising to speed up repairs. The company is committed to doubling the repair capacity of the Citroën dealer network by the end of July. At the same time, a home repair program will be launched from mid-July in Marseille, then extended to the entire southern half of France, allowing up to 50,000 vehicles to be treated.
Stellantis ensures that it does everything possible to offer mobility and repair solutions adapted to each situation. To date, the group has already provided 12,000 courtesy vehicles and plans to add another 3,000 by the end of the week, bringing the total to 35,000 vehicles loaned during the month of July. Additionally, Stellantis announced an investment to double airbag production capacity starting in August, with a planned delivery of 14,500 airbags per week, without specifying the details of this investment.
This massive airbag recall is not unique to Citroën: several million vehicles from other brands such as Mazda, Ford, Honda and BMW have been recalled since 2014 for similar problems with airbags from the same Japanese supplier, Takata.
